Sensory Processing Sensitivity: Associations with the detection of real degraded stimuli, and reporting of illusory stimuli and paranormal experiences. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Jess M.; Carr, Michelle; Blagrove, Mark
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 177(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: AES aesthetic sensitivity -- EOE ease of excitation -- HSP Highly Sensitive Person -- HSPS Highly Sensitive Person Scale -- LST low sensory threshold -- SAE Survey of Anomalous Experiences -- SPS Sensory Processing Sensitivity; Sensory Processing Sensitivity -- Highly Sensitive Person Scale -- Highly Sensitive Person -- Auditory stimuli recognition -- Pareidolia -- Anomalous experience -- Paranormal experience; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: There are differences in Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) within many species. In humans high SPS refers to greater responsivity to stimuli, slower, deeper processing, aesthetic sensitivity, and low threshold for sensory discomfort. This study tested whether SPS is associated with the accurate recognition of degraded auditory stimuli and susceptibility to auditory pareidolia (hearing illusory words when presented with ambiguous, degraded words). Fifty participants (mean age = 33.02; females n = 32, males n = 18) responded to degraded words presented in Deutsch's phantom word illusion task. They then completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, which assesses SPS, and the Survey of Anomalous Experiences. SPS was significantly associated with the recognition of degraded stimuli, but not with pareidolia. Number of anomalous experiences reported by participants was significantly associated with SPS and pareidolia. This study shows objective validation of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale regarding detection of subtle external stimuli. Highlights: There are differences in Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) within many species. High SPS refers to greater responsivity to stimuli, and slower, deeper processing. High SPS is associated with accurate detection of degraded auditory stimuli. High SPS is not associated with hearing illusory words in degraded auditory stimuli. High SPS and pareidolia are associated with anomalous and paranormal experiences.